SANTA ROSA BEACH BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Avalon: Double‑Decker Luxury and a Slide on Choctawhatchee Bay
A six‑hour rental aboard the AVALON — a 12‑passenger, 200HP double‑decker tritoon with a water slide — this guide lays out the boat’s features, common routes (Crab Island, Baytowne), and practical planning notes.
Avalon: Double‑Decker Luxury and a Slide on Choctawhatchee Bay.
Set off from Santa Rosa Beach into the shallow, glassy arms of Choctawhatchee Bay aboard the AVALON — a true double‑decker tritoon built to carry up to 12 people in style. With a 200HP powerplant, a thrilling waterslide, Bluetooth radio and mood lighting, the boat is configured for anything from anchored play sessions in the bay to runs out toward Crab Island for snorkeling, shallow‑water play and food options on the water.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
12 passengers, 200HP double‑decker tritoon
The AVALON is a luxury double‑decker tritoon configured for groups: a 12‑passenger layout, 200HP engine, a water slide, Bluetooth radio and mood lighting — a vessel described as arriving June 2020 and boasting 150HP more than other double‑deckers in the bay.
Crab Island and Baytowne Wharf runs
Typical outings include cruising to Crab Island — a shallow, social sandbar area about 40 minutes west where you can snorkel, play volleyball and sample food on the water — or stopping at Baytowne Wharf for shopping, dining and dockside entertainment.
Slide, paddle boards, fishing and floating pads
The operator offers add‑ons to customize the day: YOLO paddle boards, a three‑pole fishing package, floating pads and coolers — all intended to expand how you use the AVALON once anchored in the bay.
What the day feels like
What a day aboard feels like
Expect a social, flexible day: launch from the Santa Rosa Beach area, pick an objective — anchor mid‑bay to run the slide and paddle from the boat, make a brisk transit to Crab Island for shallow‑water play, or tie up at Baytowne for food and sight‑seeing — and let the boat’s power and deck space dictate whether the day leans adventurous or relaxed.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this boat and outing suit — and who should adjust plans.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Standard booking for this offering is a six‑hour rental.
Bring swimwear, towels and personal items you’ll need for anchoring and paddleboarding; the operator provides optional add‑ons such as YOLO paddle boards, floating pads, fishing pole packages (three poles) and coolers.
Available extras include YOLO paddle boards, a fishing pole package (three poles), floating pads and coolers; these expand on‑water options once anchored.
The operator recommends watching the boat safety video and will teach motoring tips on arrival; follow all safety guidance before pushing off.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the rental?
The listed duration for this offering is six hours.
Where do we pick up the boat?
Meet at the Cessna Landing dock on CR 393 in Santa Rosa Beach; the crew will be there 15 minutes before your scheduled time.
How old do I have to be to rent a pontoon boat?
Renters must be 30 years of age or older and hold a valid United States driver’s license.
Are babies or infants allowed and do they count toward the passenger limit?
Yes; the US Coast Guard considers everyone with a heartbeat a passenger, so infants count toward the passenger total.
Can we go to Crab Island or how far can we take the boat?
Pontoon rentals are allowed anywhere within Choctawhatchee Bay as far east as one mile east of the 331 bridge and as far west as Crab Island in Destin (under the bridge area); the boat is not allowed on the Gulf of Mexico.
What if I’ve never driven a pontoon before?
Boating requires different skills than driving a car; the operator will teach important motoring tips and offers a boat safety video. If you’re uncomfortable driving, a driver can be arranged for an additional fee paid day‑of.
Can we dive off the boat or go headfirst down the slide?
No. The bay is very shallow in places and diving or going headfirst down the slide is expressly prohibited for safety reasons.
Is alcohol allowed on the boat?
Alcohol is allowed for passengers, but the operator does not tolerate alcohol use by the driver; it is against Florida law to operate a boat under the influence.
Are pets allowed?
Pets are allowed with an additional fee and potential cleaning fee if necessary.
What are gratuity expectations?
For pontoon rentals a typical 15% gratuity is customary for captains/drivers and 5–10% for deckhands; guests pay gratuities the day of the event.